A historic Queensland native title decision is expected to have a significant impact on bushfire management at the world's third largest sand island.
Native title holders over Moreton Island say they can now use traditional land management practices on the island hit by bushfires just last week.
Cheers of elation rang out in the Federal Court at Brisbane on Wednesday, when the Quandamooka people were formally recognised as traditional owners of the island.
The consent determination, negotiated between the native title holders and all levels of government, comes after a legal process which began more than two decades ago.
Justice Darryl Cameron Rangiah said it was a formal recognition of what the traditional owners had always known.
He said it was a day of celebration for the Quandamooka people but the suffering they experienced through colonisation should also be remembered.
The orders grant native title over 98 per cent of the sand island, also known as Mulgumpin, and add 120 hectares of land to the island's national park.
The decision has no impact on freehold land or the Tangalooma resort leasehold and provides exclusive native title rights over small sections of unallocated state land.
Lead applicant, Robert Anderson, also known as Uncle Bob, said it was a special day but felt he could also weep.
The 90-year-old Quandamooka Ngugi elder said important spiritual areas on the island were now declared national park.
"(This will) be of benefit to visitors of all nationalities to understand the spiritual connection the Quandamooka people have to their lands and waterways," Mr Anderson said.
The decision provides certainty over the island following a legal process dating back to 1995, said Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation boss Cameron Costello.
Mr Costello said the recognition also meant traditional fire breaks could be used on the island aimed at preventing blazes like those on the island earlier this month.
"We're now looking at traditional fire management practices which are going to help," he said.
"We've just had fires on the island. We're really keen to bring our knowledge and modern science to maintain the beautiful island that it is."
He said a similar agreement was reached for North Stradbroke Island in 2011 and it would not disrupt day-to-day activities on Moreton Island.
Mr Costello said the decision was expected to provide more jobs with additional rangers and new positions in the tourism industry.
"People will find that a strong Quandamooka community, supported by native title rights, is a win for everyone," he said.
Australian Associated Press
